April 27, 2020
A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds to help Darling Downs Zoo survive the COVID-19 shutdowns.
Shadow Agriculture Minister Tony Perrett said wildlife operators and zoos have been struggling to keep their animals fed and cared for due to the lack of income.
He called on the State Government to step up their responsibility for regulating and maintaining animal welfare.
“Some of these businesses have up to two thousand animals that need to be fed and cared for while the gates remain shut,” Mr Perrett said.
“The situation is becoming more desperate by the hour. Urgent assistance and support is needed to avoid this preventable disaster.”
LNP Member for Condamine Pat Weir said that the Darling Downs Zoo was really struggling.
“The situation at the Darling Downs Zoo is dire and desperate,” Mr Weir said.
“I know the owners and they are passionate about their animals and the position the closures are putting them in is devastating.
“Darling Downs Zoo has a $110,000 monthly bill just to keep the animals fed and cared for.
“The zoo has even resorted to a GoFundMe page because they aren’t hearing a word from the Palaszczuk Labor Government.
“I’ve taken the step of writing to Labor’s Mark Furner calling on him to urgently do something for the benefit of these animals and this important small businesses in our local community.
“Time for the state to step up and help our exhibitors and zoos, otherwise there will be an animal welfare disaster in Queensland.”
- External link: Darling Downs Zoo’s GoFundMe appeal
